Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago

Few Catholics realize just how rich is the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. Nevertheless, great churches still stand in every major city and serve as a testament. Perhaps nowhere in America can one find these stone testimonials more numerous or beautiful than the Windy City. These churches are the subject of a recent picture book titled: Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago. This visually striking and carefully researched book presents the rich detail of historic and cultural significance of some of Chicago’s most significant churches. Breath-taking, full-color photographs open the doors to more than 60 magnificent churches, stretching to every corner of the city – from St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette and St. Philip Neri on the South Shore to St. Giles in Oak Park and St. Peter in the Loop. The inspirational designs are by noted architects such as Burnham, McCarthy, Schlacks and Keely. It is a must for those interested in local history, architectural achievement, theological awareness or those who simply desire to glory in the visual beauty of Chicago’s historic churches. Author Denis R. McNamara, an architectural historian who specializes in American church architecture of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He has written and lectured widely on the history and theology of ecclesiastical architecture, and served on the Art and Architecture Commission of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is currently assistant director and faculty member at the Liturgical Institute of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, and serves as a liturgical design consultant. Photographer James Morris specializes in architectural and cultural subjects from around the world, working with publishers, magazines and architects, including his recent work in the 2000 book Churches of London (Contemporary Books). His work is exhibited in both Europe and the United States and has been awarded prizes by, among others, Chicago’s Graham Foundation for advanced studies in the fine arts, and the United Kingdom’s Design and Art Directors Guild. The professional quality of the photographs and printing coupled with the awe-inspiring subject matter covered, make Heavenly City irresistible to those who appreciate beauty. However, paging through such a work should be more than a simple diversion. It should instill pride in America’s Catholic heritage, and inspire action to restore the Church to Her former glory…and well beyond. Format: Hardcover 9 1/2" x 13" 160 pages ISBN: 1-56854-503-7 Publisher: Liturgy Training Publications www.ltp.org

Written In Stone: Dates of TFP Call to Chivalry Camps

It's official. The dates for our 2009 TFP Call to Chivalry Camps have actually long been set. I am now just getting around to announcing it. I am told there are still places available for young men aged 13-18. The first camp is in Louisiana from June 30-July 10. That's next week!

The second camp is set in Pennsylvania at the TFP-staffed St. Louis de Montfort Academy north of Harrisburg. It is set for August 9-20.

Here are some links that give you an idea of what to expect.
Louisiana
Pennsylvania

If you are interested in the camps, please call Cesar Franco at 717-521-8013 or email him at cfranco@tfp.org.



The theme of this year's camps is the Cristeros in Mexico.

Don't miss this opportunity.
(Click the rosary picture to read the caption)

Written In Stone: Rosary Rally is October 10!

The American TFP and its America Needs Fatima campaign hopes to have 4,000 Public Square Rosary Rallies on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Please mark your calendars now!

All you need to do a rally is a banner (which we can help supply), a few friends and a nice public place. It's that simple. Our coordination center in Kansas is there to help you through each step of the process. But the sooner you get organizing your rally, the better it will be.

Our goal is to counter the advance of the destructive secular agenda -- abortion, homosexuality, same-sex "marriage," and other issues. We need to ask God to help us as human efforts are not insufficient. We need to have a lot of Rallies in St. Louis. We will keep you posted about developments.

Please get started today as a Rally Captain by calling (866) 584-6012.